GROUP LISTENING

Clarinet & Piano: Selected Works, Vol.2 (Prah) 

If you’re wondering if this is a new Steve Reich or Aphex Twin project behind the austere, utilitarian name and title – well, not quite, but the second volume of interpretations by Group Listening – Clarinet & Piano – has an aesthetic comparable to classic releases like Music For 18 Musicians or Selected Ambient Works 2.

Featuring two Cardiffians – Stephen Black, aka Sweet Baboo, and jazz musician Paul Jones, respectively on the two instruments of the title – Clarinet & Piano, though restricted by design, is a meditative and relaxing listen from Group Listening, with arrangements of tracks by Brian Eno, Arthur Russell and Neu! amongst more obscure artists.

Album opener Sunset Village crafts a more luscious pastoral take on Beverley Glenn Copeland’s tune and Robbie Basho’s Blue Crystal Fire is transformed from a dark country ditty into a moody Max Richter number. Slowing down Malcolm Neon’s Y Cwsg, and rendering the wandering synth line in brass doesn’t come off, although the original is a revelation of primitive postpunk electronica itself, while Hollywood Dream Trip is a faithful retelling of the 70s Canadian electronica of Syrinx.

words CHRIS SEAL